ACLU Conference

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The ACLU Conference brings together ACLU members and activists alike for learning, mobilization, and inspiration. The event is an opportunity for members from around the country to exchange ideas, to celebrate the extraordinary history of the ACLU, and to look forward to the challenges ahead.

$125 - Our Lowest Ticket Price

23% of what it costs the ACLU to put on the conference for one supporter - we think it's critical for as many people to attend as possible. This is perfect for students or anyone currently unable to afford the full cost of a pass.

$450 - Give A Little Extra

82% of what it costs the ACLU for one supporter to attend. By paying 82% of your ticket, you'll be helping us keep costs down so that even more ACLU supporters can join us here in D.C.

$550 - Full Price Ticket

100% of what it costs the ACLU to put on the conference for one supporter. By paying the full cost of your ticket, you'll be helping support other activists - and the movement.

$1100 - Supporter

This pays for your full ticket and helps ease the burden of a ticket for someone else. You'll be making sure more people have access to the essential programs and training we're offering throughout all three days.

Agenda

Please see below for the conference schedule and continue to check back for updates about celebrity entertainment, film screenings, and guest speakers who are activists, legends, and public figures at the forefront of the civil liberties battle. Check out our workshop sessions below! Workshops are open to all and filled on a first come, first serve basis. You Belong Here!

Cecile Richards

Patrisse Cullors

Speaker Lineup

More Coming Soon!

For nearly 100 years, the ACLU has been our nation’s guardian of liberty, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.

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Entertainment

Drummer, DJ, producer, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times-best-selling author, and member of The Roots, Questlove is the heartbeat of Philadelphia’s most influential hip-hop group. He is the musical director for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and is a four-time Grammy Award winning musician.

At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. RBG is a revelatory documentary exploring Ginsburg 's exceptional life and career from Betsy West and Julie Cohen, and co-produced by Storyville Films and CNN Films.

Longtime friends and collaborators, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal co-wrote and star in this timely and wildly entertaining story about friendship and the intersection of race and class set against the backdrop of Oakland.

Crafting “cathartic pop” rooted in classical training, inspired by artistic muses ranging from Hemingway and Maya Angelou to modern art, this style defines MILCK’s debut EP for Atlantic Records. The singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and poet confidently carried a generational anthem in the form of “Quiet.”

Greg Proops will record his podcast, “The Smartest Man in the World,” in front of a live audience with the usual mix of drinking, so-called jokes, singing, poor dancing and boring preachy parts. Part professor, part crazed comedian, Mr. Proops forms his show around his talent and passions.

Negin Farsad was named one of the 50 Funniest Women by Huffington Post and one of the 10 Best Feminist Comedians by Paper Magazine. She is the author of “How to Make White People Laugh” and host of the podcast “Fake the Nation.” She was also director and producer of the films “The Muslims Are Coming!” (with Jon Stewart), “3rd Street Blackout” (with Janeane Garofalo & Ed Weeks), and “Nerdcore Rising” (with Weird Al Yankovic).

Lewis Black is a Grammy Award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, and author who came into national prominence with his appearances on “The Daily Show." He performs more than 200 nights annually to sold-out audiences. A more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon, Lewis Black is also known as the voice of Anger in the Academy-award winning film, “Inside Out.”

A place for Fantastic Kittens. We have Proopcasted in New Zealand, Australia, London, Edinburgh, Austin, San Francisco, Toronto, Afloat outside St. Maarten, Montreal,Glasgow, Hollywood, Atlanta, Hollywood, Nashville, Paris and Cleveland. Join us. It is free and mandatory. The Kittens are fine.

Hosted by Negin Farsad, Fake the Nation is all the comedy about politics without any of the politics about politics. Every week Negin and a cast of her funniest, smartest and most politically astute friends (John Fugelsang, Lizz Winstead, Dean Obeidallah and others) gather ’round the political roundtable to break down the news, make you laugh, think, and deliver a gut punch to the American political system.

Ari Afsar played the role of Eliza Schuyler in the original Chicago production of "Hamilton." She was Miss California 2010 and top 10 at Miss America 2011. She was most recently seen at the Shrine Auditorium opening for Michelle Obama at the United State of Women Summit 2018 and she will release an album later this year.

Bettye LaVette began her career in 1962 at age 16 during the birth of soul music in Detroit, MI. She has received multiple Grammy nominations, the Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Blues Singer and Best Soul Blues Female Artist, and the honor of performing “A Change Is Gonna Come” for President-elect Barack Obama at his Inaugural concert.

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Action Center

Let's Act

The Action Center exists to help you defend civil liberties now and grow your knowledge and skills to make an even bigger difference tomorrow. Discover opportunities to connect with other ACLU activists, learn about our most critical campaigns, and discover how to make the biggest impact with your time.

Defending Your Rights TodayThe Action Center will equip you with the tools you need to defend your rights. We'll have stations where you can take real-time advocacy actions on ACLU campaigns.

Why We OrganizeAttendees can record their own story of why they volunteer and organize with the ACLU in a Story Corps-style booth.

ACLU VoterLearn why the ACLU needs YOU to actively engage in the 2018 elections.

Regional CaucusesCome represent your region and connect with other ACLU supporters from your region and beyond.

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Venue

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

This year’s conference will be held at the Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place NW) and Marriott Marquis Washington D.C. (901 Massachusetts Avenue NW). The ACLU has secured a limited number of rooms for attendees at the Marriott Marquis at a rate of $279 per night plus tax. The discounted rate is available until Friday, May 25, or until block is sold out. Call (202) 824-9200 and mention the ACLU Membership Conference to reserve a room.

Please be advised that the ACLU has not authorized any third party housing services or third party housing companies to represent the event and sell hotel rooms on our behalf. Only reserve your hotel room directly with the Marriott Marquis Washington D.C. using the information listed on this page.

ATTENTION: Hostelling International Washington DC is now sold out for the nights of June 10th and June 11th.